Goodwood and Singleton cricketers aim for big-hitting summer

Chair Richard Geffen thanked the Duke of Richmond and his family for allowing and supporting cricket at Goodwood. The estate’s sport boss Adam Waterworth and his team were also praised.

Geffen thanked those from Goodwood CC and Chichester PP CC who worked tirelessly to ensure Goodwood was a Covid-19 safe place for all players and spectators last year, and hailed work undertaken by committee members.

Geffen and captain James Mayne also paid tribute to John Clifton, who retired from playing at the end of 2020. They spoke of his enormous contribution to the club on and off the field since his first game in 1992.

Early March brought Groundsweek, and Goodwood and Chichester PP acknowledged contributions made by volunteer groundsmen at Goodwood and Mick Page in Priory Park.

They also thanked Simon Berry and Rob Dyer and their teams at Goodwood Golf and highlighted the vital role played by Phil Helmn in the development of playing facilities at Goodwood over the past six years.

It looks like cricket will start within the next fortnight. Initially it is anticipated Covid protocols will be the same as last years.

The Goodwood/Chichester PP cricket alliance has continued to flourish.

There has been much work researching more appropriate net facilities, and we reported last week on the installtion of hybrid pitches.

Fixtures for 2021 have been confirmed and the club will visit Beaulieu and Madehurst for the first time in July. An ECB women’s softball tournament will return on July 25, President’s Day, which will also see Goodwood playing the Duke of Richmond’s XI, a team run by the duke’s two eldest sons Charlie and Will.

Awards were made for the 2020 season to: Mike Smith (Arthur Miles Batting Cup with an average of 120); Stanley Mayne (Jack Miles Bowling Cup (29 wickets at ave of 10.10); John Clifton (Steve Miles Shield, Clubman of the Year); Comedy Moment of the Year, John Clifton.

The following offices were elected for 2021: Chair Richard Geffen; Vice Chair Tim Odell; Secretary Henry Whitby; Fixture Secretary Steve Miles; Treasurer John Heyworth; Captain James Mayne; Safeguarding Lead Dan Brown.

Geffen reflected on the enormous positive interest in cricket in 2020, with many taking up the game and others returning to play.

Last year 140 adults and juniors were netting weekly before matches could start, and this had been followed by 35 matches at Goodwood.

Contact James Mayne at [email protected] if you are interested in playing for Goodwood in Sunday non-league cricket – see www.goodwood.play-cricket.com for more.

SINGLETON

Despite playing little cricket last season, and no games at the picturesque Sheepwash Meadow, Singleton Cricket Club have been busy during the off season, and are preparing for cricket during the 2021 season.

Some major renovation work is being undertaken, with new shower facilities and hot water system hopefully being in place for the start of the new season. This involved stripping out the old tiled showers and replacement of aging hot water tank and piping.

Also completed has been some repair work and purchase of new nets following storms at the end of 2019 start of 2020 which destroyed the old net structure.

This has been made possible by a grant from Sport England. The nets are due to be in place again, for the start of the new season.

A new bench installed in memorial of Henry ‘Owen’ Budd using funds provided by his family.

The outfield and surround vegetation have been kept in check by the usual band of volunteers, working within Covid guidelines, over the past 12 months.

While fundraising last season were curtailed with the ever popular Duck Race being cancelled in May, plans are afoot to schedule this for August Bank Holiday this year, as the club feel it unlikely and prudent to not try for the usual MayDay Bank Holiday.

While new guidance for the cricket season is awaited, Singleton have filled their usual fixture list with games against all their local village rivals, and hope to fulfil as many as they can.

The clubhouse will be made Covid-secure and a full risk assessment will be undertaken.

On the playing front, they are always looking for new members, playing and social, to the friendly, sociable club with its fantastic location, great facilities and its own bar.

If you’re interested, please visit www.singletoncc.co.uk and use the contact details provided.

SIMON PEGG